News

Jun 01, 2015
In its 26th year, LIGHTFAIR International 2015’s show broke attendance and showfloor records across the board when it was held May 5-7 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York. “The convergence of light and technology is a defining factor in LFI’s 2015 unprecedented success,” said Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., vice chairman, president and chief operating officer of LFI managing partner AmericasMart® Atlanta. He added, “For more than a quarter century, LIGHTFAIR has created the world’s global stage for lighting and design innovation. At LFI 2015, technology emerged as the… more
Jun 01, 2015
The severe winter weather in much of the U.S. didn’t put a damper on the trade show industry, with the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s quarterly CEIR Index Report tracking growth to be 4.6 percent in Q1 2015, compared with the same time period in 2014. It is the highest increase since the second quarter of 2007, in other words, before the recession hit. "The performance in the first quarter was remarkable considering that the east coast was frequently paralyzed under severe winter weather," said CEIR Economist Allen Shaw, Ph.D., Chief Economist for Global Economic Consulting… more
Jun 01, 2015
2015 will be considered a watershed year in the history of mobile devices. This is the year when mobile adoption finally has surpassed PC adoption, something experts had been predicting since at least 2010. This also is the year when leading search engines have made serving mobile users their official priority. Web and app design teams now are putting in special effort in adopting emerging best practices to ensure that the needs of the ever growing number of mobile users are catered to. However, there still is a lot of confusion about what mobile users really want. It also doesn’t help… more
Jun 01, 2015
2015 will be considered a watershed year in the history of mobile devices. This is the year when mobile adoption finally has surpassed PC adoption, something experts had been predicting since at least 2010. This also is the year when leading search engines have made serving mobile users their official priority. Web and app design teams now are putting in special effort in adopting emerging best practices to ensure that the needs of the ever growing number of mobile users are catered to. However, there still is a lot of confusion about what mobile users really want. It also doesn’t help… more
May 31, 2015
Even after a public attack by Budweiser during Super Bowl 2015 mocking craft beer drinkers, it didn’t seem to faze those who are in the industry at all, with the recent Craft Beverage Expo selling out its showfloor. In its second year, CBE 2015 not only gathered professionals in beer, wine, spirits and cider, but it also expanded its audience to include mead, sake and soda segments. “The CBE staff has worked tirelessly to provide attendees with a diverse set of resources,” said Kellie Shevlin, executive director of Craft Beverage Expo. She added, “We know these craft beverage producers are… more
May 31, 2015
Naylor Association Solutions acquired exclusive U.S. and Canadian distribution rights to Blue Sky Broadcast’s full range of online learning services for the association industry, including the Path™ Event Learning Platform, launched in late 2014. Founded in 2002, Blue Sky Broadcast helps 200-plus associations capture educational content from live or virtual settings, and facilitates the management and delivery of content to a global audience through its award-winning learning platform. “Associations know the value of the education that occurs during their face-to-face and… more
May 31, 2015
Naylor Association Solutions acquired exclusive U.S. and Canadian distribution rights to Blue Sky Broadcast’s full range of online learning services for the association industry, including the Path™ Event Learning Platform, launched in late 2014. Founded in 2002, Blue Sky Broadcast helps 200-plus associations capture educational content from live or virtual settings, and facilitates the management and delivery of content to a global audience through its award-winning learning platform. “Associations know the value of the education that occurs during their face-to-face and… more
May 29, 2015
After its purchase of Hanley Wood Exhibitions last November, U.K.-based Informa Exhibitions is adding onto its residential, commercial design and construction portfolio in the United States with the acquisition of Dwell on Design from Dwell Media. Dwell on Design has two annual events in New York and Los Angeles and will be run by Informa Exhibitions U.S., Construction and Real Estate division. The buy cements a formal partnership between Dwell Media and Informa with the goal of expanding the existing shows’ scope and taking it international. “Dwell Media, the voice of modern design, has… more
May 28, 2015
Metropolitan Exposition Services has forged a partnership agreement with Orlando-based Fan Experiences, which supplies housing services. “We are genuinely excited to add a housing component to our ever expanding portfolio, and are especially thrilled to be working with such a respected industry trendsetter as Fan Experiences,” said Metropolitan General Manager Gina Calderon.   She added, “Continuing on with our plan of strategic diversification, we are now able to offer clients a range of services that is unparalleled in the business.” Metropolitan Exposition Services’ client base… more
May 28, 2015
The month of May has been an unusually busy one for new hires across a wide variety of companies in the trade show industry. The Expo Group hired Lloyd van Meter its new general manager in its Las Vegas offices. Van Meter has extensive freight expertise, as well as 15 years in the trade show industry and strong leadership skills honed in the U.S. Marine Corps. The Expo Group also named Mitchell Gross as the new leader of its growing custom exhibits department. Gross also will continue to lead the Finance department for the company. Prior to becoming operations manager for MC2 Events Exhibits… more
Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.